Reps. Sherrill, Fitzpatrick, Kean Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Veteran Mental Health Services 

Component of Congresswoman’s Jersey STRONG agenda

Washington, DC – Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Tom Kean (NJ-7), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would expand access to Vet Center mental health counseling for veterans and their families across the country. The Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act uses 2020 census data and the VA’s own statistical data to ensure underserved areas, including portions of Northwestern New Jersey, are eligible for additional Vet Centers.

This bill is a part of Congresswoman Sherrill’s Jersey STRONG agenda, which prioritizes issues that are front and center for New Jersey families.

“Vet Centers play a critical role in supporting our veterans and their families and ensuring they receive access to affordable and potentially lifesaving care. However, not all veterans have access to Vet Centers because of their geographic location in New Jersey and across the country,” said Rep. Sherrill. “This bipartisan legislation reduces gaps in VA mental health coverage and provides veterans with the support they need and deserve. As a Navy veteran, I remain steadfast in my commitment to fixing this wrong and fulfilling our country’s obligation to America’s heroes.”

“Mental health services are among the most crucial programs needed by our veterans, and the consequences can be dire if help is too far out of reach.  Northern Jersey veterans need to know that when they come home, quality care is close to home.  This bill would eliminate the long, sometimes impossible travel to professional facilities and allow for more of our veterans to access the benefits they earned and deserve.” – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.

“It is critical that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides our nation’s veterans the highest-quality care, including mental health services,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan legislation will direct the VA to increase Vet Centers that provide mental health services in order to expand access to our heroic veterans.”

“We strongly stand behind Congresswomen Sherrill’s initiative on the creation of a Vet Center for New Jersey. It is our opinion that specialized local mental health treatment should be available for our veterans. such as is provided by Vet Centers. Plain and simple, they left their families and friends to respond to the needs of our Country, it is our duty to make sure that their needs are addressed once they return home.  We appreciate the Congresswoman’s effort in working to create a better New Jersey for those who served our Country,” stated David Pearson, Assistant Director of Catholic Charities Veteran Services.

“The need for a Vet Center in the Northwest New Jersey, Skylands (Morris, Sussex, Warren) Region has become critical. Over 40,000 active (male and female) veterans reside in the Skylands Region footprint and a majority live outside a 40-mile distance from a major VA Hospital Facility,” stated Dominick Sabol Sr., Vice Commander of the Morris County American Legion. 

Vet Centers provide a range of services to veterans and their families, including mental health counseling to combat veterans and those who suffered military sexual assault as well as bereavement services to families of servicemembers who die on duty. Vet Centers’ practice of providing services to families in addition to the affected veterans is also unique in the VA veteran care space.

This month, Rep. Sherrill unveiled her Jersey STRONG agenda, which includes the first five pieces of legislation she is introducing in the 118th Congress. With this bill package, Congresswoman Sherrill will continue to fight for New Jersey by:

Saving the SALT Deduction

Taking Care of our Veterans

Reining in Auto Thefts

Optimizing Women’s Health Care

Nominating More Labor Representatives

Getting Stuff Done